BigXthaPlug, Sexyy Red, GELO, And More Hip-Hop

BigXthaPlug Featuring Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”

BigXthaPlug continues to stamp himself as one of Hip-Hop’s fastest rising artists while simultaneously displaying his versatility with his new single, “All The Way.” The Texan delivers a twangy thumper to ride out to, as he laments love lost and the heartache felt as a result.

Featuring an appearance by Bailey Zimmerman, “All The Way” is a winning effort that gives listeners an idea of what they can look forward to from BigXthaPlug’s forthcoming country-inspired project, which is slated to drop later this year. – Preezy Brown

Sexyy Red – “Hoochie Coochie”

Sexyy Red has never shied away from who she is, thus a song like “Hoochie Coochie” almost shocks the listener because it feels like a song that would have come earlier in her catalog.

Nonetheless, the track is here and finds her in her best environment: a layered beat, plenty of backing vocals, and explicit lyrics. Whether she’s talking about twerking, eating a**, or owning her “h*e” status, the St. Louis rapper has a good time while presenting the same for the listeners.

The best part, per usual, is she doesn’t take up too much time; “Hoochie Coochie” comes and goes in just under two-and-a-half minutes. – Armon Sadler

GELO – “Law N Order”

GELO samples Webbie and Boosie’s “Gimme Dat” on “Law N Order,” which is a continuation of his breakthrough record “Tweaker” from earlier this year.

It is fun and inoffensive, but it does call into question how long he will be able to continue with this sound before people question how long he will last or what else he has in his arsenal. Yes, GELO has been rapping for a while and just took off, but this is the era of versatility.

Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable song for the moment and Southern gentlemen riding around in candy-painted vehicles will surely love having this to blast on their drives. – AS

Rod Wave – “Sinners”

 Rod Wave looks his fears square in the face while dreaming of triumph and liberation on this contemplative cut, which serves as the lead single from the upcoming Sinners Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

According to Rod Wave, the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, personally tapped him to create the song, a request the Florida crooner obliged after viewing Sinners at the Academy Award nominee’s behest.

“Ryan is one of my favorite directors out, from Fruitvale Station to Black Panther,” Rod said of Coogler in a statement accompanying the song’s release. “When I heard that he wanted to work with me, I was excited by the opportunity to enter his world. I connected with the movie instantly when I watched it.” – PB

BossMan Dlow – “Money Talks”

BossMan Dlow is back with another banger, dropping heat on his latest release “Money Talks.”

Over a trunk-rattling instrumental, the rising star lets the cash do the talking as he woos the baddies and calls out the fiscally challenged.

“Broke a** ni**as, where ya cheese at / Bad bi**hes, come here girl, I need that,” he raps with signature confidence. It’s another flashy, high-energy anthem from one of the South’s most promising voices. – PB

Lil Yachty Featuring Veeze – “Can’t Be ‘Crete Boy’

Lil Yachty and Veeze put their spin on the Dipset classic “I’m Ready” with “Can’t Be Crete Boys.” The trappy-banger loops the vocal sample while the duo take turns dropping bar after bar with urgency.

Their voices present a nice contrast; Veeze sounds raspy, and Yachty tries his hand at it as well but also has a higher pitch. There’s a strong beat switch here, and they align their flows with that, displaying versatility.

The second beat feels grand, something fit for a TikTok edit of Ja Morant doing furious dunks. This is a real lyrical exhibition full of flexes, which is both men’s strength. – AS

DDG, DaBaby – “Motion” 

DDG has been on a wave lately on the streaming front, and he captures that momentum on his new track “Motion.”

However, for the Pontiac artist, he’s been on a high way longer than his horde of viewers may have realized. The beat is smooth, fit for getting sturdy and primed for the car test. DaBaby pulls up, briefly switching the beat before letting it revert back and unloading his tommy gun flow.

The Charlotte rapper may not be as white hot as he was years ago, but he delivers a feature here reminiscent of when he was at his peak. – AS

Murda Beatz, Hurricane Wisdom, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – “Winter’s Over”

Murda Beatz, Hurricane Wisdom, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie celebrate the rising temperatures on their new track “Winter’s Over.”

While many artists pivot to tracks more upbeat, they opted for something slower and more somber-sounding. Piano beats match trap drums and pitchy synths, and the message matches the tone.

Evidently, their respective love interests only want their affection in the summer and they are scarred from the distrust they experience when their partners want to wear less and go out more. Additionally, they deal with shaky friends and associates.

So while the sunshine is celebratory, they can’t move past the bittersweet experiences of the winter period. – AS

Rob49 Featuring YTB Fatt – “Yessirski”

Rob49 keeps his momentum rolling with “Yessirski,” a fiery new collab with fellow Southern rapper YTB Fatt.

Built on a beat that blends booming 808 drums with eerie violin strings, the track sees the two spitters trading gritty bars with relentless energy.

The hook’s infectious use of the phrase “Yessirski” makes it an instant standout. Coming hot off the viral success of “WTHELLY,” Rob49 shows no signs of slowing down as his profile continues to soar. – PB

Pink Pantheress – “Tonight”

Boldy James, V Don – ‘Alphabet Highway’

G-Eazy – “Fight & F**k”

Shoreline Mafia – ‘Back In Bidness’

Cousin Fik Featuring E-40, Too Short – “Thangin”

Hurricane Wisdom Featuring Dthang – “Mind Gone”

Chicken P Featuring Hunxho – “How It Goes”

FattMack – ‘Here To Stay’

Homeboy Sandman, Yeyts. – ‘Corn Hole Legend’

El Snappo – “Dave Blunts”

Ant – ‘Collection Of Sounds Vol. 4’

Lelo – “2hollis”

LouGotCash, Bobby Shmurda, Jeremih – “Superstar Status”

Skeatur Jones – “Giddy Up”

Ray Vaughn – “DOLLAR Menu”

Ron E – “North Face”